We have all heard of the weird beauty hacks people try to improve their skin. One example is to put urine on a cotton pad and dab it across their face like a serum. Perhaps you remember Gwyneth Paltrow’s “bee sting facial,” also known as “apitherapy,” to rid the skin of inflammation and scarring.
Pretty crazy, right? So, as far as beauty hacks go, this latest shouldn’t sound too wild: algae for skin care.
Here are four reasons you should include cold-pressed algae in your skincare routine.
How Algae Can Benefit Your Skin
We’re going to get into a few of the primary benefits of algae for your skin, but first, let’s talk about the basics of this rising trend. You can find a variety of algae colors: red, green, blue, and blue-green. Each has different skincare benefits, although skincare gurus and experts tout blue-green algae as the best for their ability to hydrate and boost the skin’s immunity. Nobody knows your skin better than you do, so it’s up to you to determine which type of algae is the best fit for your skin routine.
Why use cold-pressed algae? For the same reason that you buy cold-pressed or unrefined juices, oils, and other products. The process requires no heat or chemicals, which allows the algae to retain most of its vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, and other beneficial properties to improve the skin. The process is more natural and ultimately better at targeting common skin conditions.
Now, without further ado, here are four reasons we recommend using algae for your skin.
High in Skin-Loving Nutrients
Spirulina, the blue-green algae commonly known as a superfood, is rich in protein and vitamins our skin needs. The list includes vitamins B1, B2, and B3 (the latter also referred to as niacinamide). Spirulina is also high in protein, which turns the amino acids we drink and eat into more protein, aiding in building collagen and keratin. More protein equates to more youthful-looking skin.
Detoxifies the Skin
When the term “skin detox” gets thrown around, it does mean to rid the skin of toxins, much like a regular detox removes toxins from the body. However, skin detoxes differ because they act more as a defense than an extraction. Products that contain algae work to detoxify, or in other words, boost the skin’s immunity. Alternatively, skincare products containing algae can act as a defense against environmental damage, like exposure to UV rays.
Sheds Dead Skin Cells
If your skin appears duller than usual, this could be due to an excess of dead skin cells. When dead skin cells build up, it creates congested skin (i.e., blackheads, blemishes, etc.). Removing the layer of dead skin allows new skin cells to generate, which provides a healthy, youthful glow.
Moisturizes the Skin
Do you suffer from dry skin? Consider adding products with algae in your routine, as it retains moisture and keeps the skin hydrated. We recommend looking for moisturizers packed with blue or green algae. Even if you don’t suffer from dry skin, you can still benefit from this super ingredient. Products rich in algae are perfect for removing excess oil without drying out the skin, as many other products on the market are known to do.
There are many ways to use algae as a part of your skin routine. You can buy skincare products containing algae, such as lotions and cleansers. You can purchase algae masks, which is a great way to fight wrinkles and fine lines. Or you can use it the “old-fashioned” way: buy an algae supplement, such as chlorella or spirulina, and add it to your drinks every morning.
What are your thoughts on algae? Is this a bandwagon you’re going to skip, or will it be the latest addition to your skincare routine?
